39 Budget Pantry Staples List and Money-Saving Ideas

One of the ways you can that can create budget-friendly homemade meals without breaking the bank is by having pantry staples available.

As a dietitian, here are my 39 of my favorite budget pantry staples that I use throughout the week to create cheap and healthy meals.

Why You Need Budget Pantry Staples

Having a stocked pantry is essential for anyone looking to save money and eat well.

Financial Benefits: Purchasing pantry staples in bulk or when they are on sale can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

Quick and Easy Meals: With these staples on hand, you can whip up easy meals in a pinch.

The best part about pantry items is that they are also shelf-stable which means that they can last a while without needing to worry about anything going bad.

Frugal Pantry Staples List

Here's a list of 39 budget pantry staples that will make it easy to create nutritious budget-friendly meals throughout the week.

Baking Staples List

These are the foundations of baking. With this list, you can make anything from pancakes, cookies, and brownies.

1. Flour
2. Sugar
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Yeast
6. Butter
7. Eggs
8. Milk
9. Vanilla extract
10. Cocoa powder

Basic Pantry Staples to Keep on Hand

11. Rice
12. Pasta
13. Canned tomatoes
14. Oats
15. Peanut butter
16. Canned beans
17. Olive oil
18. Salt
19. Pepper
20. Balsamic Vinegar
21. Canned tuna
22. Chicken stock
23. Cereal
24. Spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, cumin)
25. Canned vegetables

Instant Pot Pantry Staples

26. Dried lentils
27. Quinoa
28. Chicken broth
29. Dried herbs (basil, thyme, oregano, parsley, sage, marjoram, dill, and bay leaves)
30. Onions

Kitchen Staples to Have

31. Soy sauce
32. Honey
33. Mustard
34. Ketchup
35. Mayonnaise

Paleo Staples to Have on Hand

36. Almond flour
37. Coconut oil
38. Coconut sugar
39. Coconut flour

Print Out Your Budget Pantry Staples Grocery List

Recipes With My Favorite Pantry Staples

Oats

They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting heart health and longevity.

I love using oats in my dessert recipes because it acts as a great all-purpose flour replacement, especially when you grind the oats into oat flour.

My Favorite Oatmeal Recipes

• Easy Strawberry Protein Bars RECIPE (Healthy, Gluten-Free)
• Blueberry Overnight Oats with Protein Powder
• Easy and Healthy Homemade Granola RECIPE (4-ingredients)
• Healthy Pear Crisp Recipe (Gluten-Free)
• Single Serving Baked Oatmeal RECIPE (No eggs, High Protein)
• Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread RECIPE (Easy, Gluten-Free)
• Easy 5-Ingredient Orange Oat Bars RECIPE (Healthy, Vegan)
• Healthy Heavenly Hunks Oatmeal Dark Chocolate RECIPE
• Crispy Oatmeal Cookies with Oil RECIPE (Vegan, No Butter)
• Flourless Pumpkin Bread Recipe (Healthy, Gluten-Free)
• Healthy Heavenly Hunks Oatmeal Dark Chocolate RECIPE
• 12 Healthy Oatmeal Dessert and Snack Recipes (Gluten-Free)
• Protein Pumpkin Overnight Oats (Easy, Healthy)

Peanut butter

Nuts are packed with healthy fats and antioxidants. These fats help to support brain health and overall well-being.

Peanut butter makes the perfect snack when paired with apples, bananas, or on top of some greek yogurt.

Balsamic vinegar

Balsamic vinegar contains antioxidants, including polyphenols, which help fight free radicals in the body. These free radicals can damage cells and contribute to aging. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants can support longevity.

Balsamic vinegar also is my secret ingredient in a lot of my recipes including my Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats, Chunky Pumpkin Granola Recipe, Fudgy Flourless Pumpkin Brownies Recipe, or Pumpkin Bean Dip.

The natural sweetness helps round out savory meals and also helps complement sweet flavors, which is why I use it in almost all of my recipes.

Strategies for Saving on Pantry Staples

Now that you have your pantry staples, it's essential to save money when purchasing them. Here are some strategies:

1. Buy in Bulk: Purchase non-perishable items in larger quantities when they're on sale to save in the long term.
2. Shop Wholesale: Wholesale clubs, such as a Costco, offer great prices on bulk purchases, which is well worth the membership price.
3. Utilize Coupons: Keep an eye out for coupons and discounts on pantry staples.
4. Freeze When Possible: If you have the space, freezing items like meat and bread can save you money.
5. Compare Prices: Shop around and compare prices at different stores or online to find the best deals.
6. Plan Your Meals: Plan your weekly meals around what's on sale or what you already have in your pantry.
7. Limit Food Waste: Keep track of food expiration dates and use items before they go bad.

A well-stocked pantry with budget-friendly staples is great to have for anyone looking to save money while enjoying delicious homemade meals.

These 39 budget pantry staples and money-saving strategies can help you achieve just that.